The best Honeymoon spots in South India

Written by dirk huds| 13/05/2017

It takes around 10 hours to fly from the UK to southern India. (Getty editorial images)

Many couples considering India for their honeymoon head to Agra in the north of the country to gaze at the Taj Mahal. But some of the best locations for a romantic break are found in the south of the country. Any of these destinations makes an ideal destination for a just-hitched couple.

Kerala

Kerala is renowned for its easygoing atmosphere. It also boasts miles of beaches and dramatic cliffs running along the coast of the Arabian Sea. You can explore the inland network of backwaters on a romantic houseboat. Go elephant trekking by day, then watch one of the many “theyyam” religious processions that regularly take place in the area.

Goa

One of the most well known destinations in south India, Goa’s reputation as a tropical paradise is very much deserved. White sands, pristine blue water and palm trees swaying in the light breeze make for an ideal beach honeymoon. Take long, leisurely lunches before strolling along the beach or inland to a hidden lake. Goa feels very relaxing, with the scent of bougainvillea flowers infusing the air.

Lakshadweep Islands

The Lakshadweep Islands lie 300 kilometres off the southern coast of the mainland. They are a perfect place to spend some time alone together, as they are only sparsely populated by fisherman, and only a handful of the 36 palm tree covered islands are open to visitors. You can simply walk down from your accommodation and straight into the warm sea to explore one of the thousands of coral reefs. The ultimate romantic getaway in south India.

Kodagu

Also known as Coorg, this hilly area offers a cooler climate than much of the surrounding lowlands. That makes it ideal for trekking and bird watching. You can climb the majestic peaks of Pushpagiri and Tadiyendamol, or visit the local spice and coffee plantations.

Ooty

Ooty sits perched in the Nilgiri hills, looking down on verdant valleys below. There is so much natural beauty in Ooty, from lush rainforests to waterfalls. In town, couples can stroll to the Rose Garden, Botanical Gardens or Ooty Lake, while mountain trekking is a popular pastime, particularly to the peaks of Dodabetta and Kodanadu. Adventurous couples can hang glide, but you may prefer just relaxing and looking out across the mountains as the blue haze from the eucalyptus leaves lends the area an otherworldly aura.

Practicalities

The National Health Service recommends that anyone travelling to India ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations for tetanus, polio, typhoid and hepatitis A. You may also want to consider vaccinations for cholera, rabies, diphtheria, hepatitis B and encephalitis. Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites as these can transmit malaria. You should consult a doctor about antimalarial tablets to take with you.